Grown

When I was young 

I loved 

but did not know

the words  

for what I felt 

and as I grew 

I learned the slurs 

written by others

to hurt me 

and in my fear 

I fled 

from who I was 

but she has shown me 

and today

I look at her and know 

I have grown, 

unafraid 

of who I am 

and who I love  

and I live the words

as much a part of me 

as love itself.